How to Update Your Moodle Version in 6 Simple Steps?
Do you still use the older version of Moodle LMS? If yes, it’s a high time to make a switch towards its better and advanced version to reap greater benefits. This article will help you understand the underlying steps involved in upgrading to new Moodle version.
So, let’s get started!
Moodle is an open-source learning management system with millions of users worldwide. It’s a topmost choice of leading organizations and educational institutes nowadays. One key reason is its interactive and modern features that have simplified the training and learning process to a great extent.
“Moodle is constantly evolving that is visible from its upgrades at a regular point of time. The main aim is to provide users with an impeccable learning/training experience with various enhancements”.
If you’ve opted for Moodle LMS, it’s important to keep it up-to-date to access new features and functionalities to enhance your training and learning needs with an efficacy. You can get a better ROI from your Moodle development efforts if it gets updated on time.
Still, there are many Moodle users who are not using the latest version. It would be better for them to make a fast move to improve the functionality of their existing LMS and cater to modern learning requirements.
Quick Steps to Update Your Moodle Version
Upgrading to the latest Moodle version is a critical task that should be done carefully. Here are a few steps to take to ensure smooth and hassle-free Moodle upgrade.
Create a Backup
First things first! Before upgrading to new Moodle version, you should have a proper backup. This protection measure should be your main priority. Whether it is taking backup of server/Moodle or maintaining backup of data files, including course material and other files. In short, your essential Moodle data will never get lost during this upgrade process.
Check Your Upgrading Requirements
The latest Moodle version has a specific set of requirements to function seamlessly. These requirements are related to the server, database, and browser. Let’s take a look at them:
- Moodle version 3.6
- PHP version 7.3.0
- PHP extension Sodium
- MySQL 5.7
- Browser compatibility: Safari and others
Test on a Staging Environment
You should create a copy of your original site for testing purpose. Make sure whatever changes and upgrades you made should be tested on the test site. This step is usually done so that your original site’s functionality doesn’t get impacted with the upgrade.
Turn on Maintenance Mode
While upgrading your Moodle version, it’s recommended to put your site on the maintenance mode. Your users will get a message on their screens for the same when they’ll login to avoid any chaos.
Upload New Moodle Files
If you’re uploading files on your new Moodle version, it’s suggested not to overwrite them on the old files. Instead, you should copy them in some other location. Just keep a note in your mind. Also, you need to put the new files in the same location as the old ones on your server.
Copy Back All Files
After replacing your old Moodle site with the new version, you are advised to copy back few files from the previous backup, such as previously installed themes and plugins, and Config.php.
Note– Just follow these steps as stated to make your Moodle upgrade successful.
Why You Should Seek Professional Help for Moodle Upgrade?
It’s quite a challenging task to maintain a constant pace with what’s new happening in Moodle. This is why you should look for experts who can keep a close tab on the latest Moodle releases and upgrade it on time. This will save both your time and efforts that you can invest in improving your core business competencies.